How Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford have worked their way back into the England squad

Having been appointed England national team manager on the 1st January 2025, anticipation as to who Thomas Tuchel was going to select for his first squad has grown over months.#

With a host of players at his disposal the former Chelsea manager wasn’t short of quality to choose from.

It’s time to reveal Thomas Tuchel’s first #ThreeLions squad! 👀🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

— England (@England) March 14, 2025

Inclusions such as Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn were sure to create conversation, given neither player has been involved in the senior England set-up before.

However, the decision to select Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford has left many questioning Tuchel’s thought process. In this piece we will look into how Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford have worked their way back into the England squad.

New surroundings for Rashford

Marcus Rashford has seen a career rejuvenation since swapping Manchester United for Aston Villa in February.

With four assists in nine appearances Rashford has displayed the ability that many believe was being wasted at Old Trafford. His inclusion in the squad means Rashford could make his first England appearance in over a year, having not been selected for a squad since March 2024.

“Rashford has had a huge impact lately in the matches of Aston Villa, I was delighted to see his effort against the ball. His effort to be the best teammate possible.” Said Tuchel.

There is no doubt about his talent but to see him to be so decisive, gave me the impression that it’s the right moment to call him up and give him the extra push so he stays on that level.”

Four assists in 464 minutes of football for Aston Villa.
First international call up since March 2024.

Marcus Rashford is back 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/uoCq3hADgF

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 14, 2025

Rashford scored just seven goals in 24 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions this season, coming under major criticism from manager Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese manager accused the forward of not working hard enough in training.

"I would put Manchester United goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital before a player who doesn't give the maximum every day" stated Amorim.

However, his start to life at Villa Park suggests that Rashford is motivated and willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.

Having already made 60 appearances and scored 17 goals for the Three Lions, Rashford will look to get his England career back on track.

’Easy choice’ Henderson

Jordan Henderson‘s career has taken a few twists and turns since his departure from Liverpool in 2023.

The former Liverpool captain won almost everything there is to win during his 12 year spell with the Reds, including a UEFA Champions League and Premier League title.

Having said his farewells to Liverpool, many expected Henderson’s England career to also come to an end with a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.

Although Gareth Southgate would include the midfielder in a few more squads, he was ultimately left out of England’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024. Leaving his totals at 81 caps and three goals over a span of 14 years.

Henderson would only last six months in Saudi Arabia, registering 19 appearances and not scoring a single goal before agreeing to a mutual termination with Al-Ettifaq.

Despite interest from clubs in the Premier League, Henderson decided to stay abroad signing for Eredivisie side Ajax on a two-and-a-half year contract. Settling into life in the Netherlands more seamlessly than his time in Saudi Arabia.

Henderson has made 50 appearances for Ajax in all competitions since arriving in 2024, having captained the side on numerous occasions.

27 July 2023: Jordan Henderson leaves Liverpool to join Al Ettifaq.

17 November 2023: Starts vs Malta for England, left out of Euro 2024 squad.

18 January 2024: He joins Ajax after his Al Ettifaq contract was terminated.

14 March 2025: Jordan Henderson is recalled to the… pic.twitter.com/BRZ4elKkKC

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 14, 2025

Tuchel’s decision to select Henderson over the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Connor Gallagher has raised eyebrows across the country with many suggesting that the 34-year old midfielder hasn’t performed at the level required to warrant a place in the squad.

What Tuchel had to say

Tuchel responded to questions as to why he selected Henderson, stating that it was an easy decision.

“Jordan is a serial winner, he is captain of Ajax, he is available.”

“What he brings to every team is leadership, his character, personality, and energy makes sure that everyone lives by the standards and with this characteristic he embodies everything we’re trying to build.”

Jordan Henderson in the England squad over Morgan Gibbs-White in 2025 is criminal…

100% deserved a place🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🧐 pic.twitter.com/WzrzXBl5ja

— The 44 ⚽️ (@The_Forty_Four) March 14, 2025

What’s next?

With fixtures against Albania and Latvia lined up, fans will be hoping to get a good look at what the Thomas Tuchel era looks like for the England national team. While for Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson it’s a chance to repay the faith the new manager has in them and make a claim as to why they deserve to be representing the Three Lions once again.